حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ مَغْرِبَ ٱلشَّمْسِ وَجَدَهَا تَغْرُبُ فِى عَيْنٍ حَمِئَةٍ وَوَجَدَ عِندَهَا قَوْمًا ۗ قُلْنَا يَـٰذَا ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ إِمَّآ أَن تُعَذِّبَ وَإِمَّآ أَن تَتَّخِذَ فِيهِمْ حُسْنًا 86
Translations
Until, when he reached the setting of the sun [i.e., the west], he found it [as if] setting in a body of dark water, and he found near it a people. We [i.e., Allāh] said, "O Dhul-Qarnayn, either you punish [them] or else adopt among them [a way of] goodness."
Transliteration
Hattaa izaa balagha maghriba ash-shamsi wajadaha taghruba fee AAynin hamiah wa wajada AAindaha qawman qulna ya tha al-qarnayn imma an tuAAadhdhiba wa imma an tattakhidha feehim husna
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Dhul-Qarnayn's journey to the western horizon where he witnesses the sunset appearing to descend into a murky sea, and discovers a people dwelling there. Allah then presents him with two options regarding these people: either to punish them or to treat them with kindness. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that the 'setting into the sea' is described from Dhul-Qarnayn's perspective as an optical phenomenon, not a literal geological occurrence, and the two options Allah presents represent a test of his justice and mercy as a leader.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Dhul-Qarnayn (18:83-101), a major figure in Meccan revelation. The surah was revealed during the Meccan period when the Quraysh questioned the Prophet Muhammad about Dhul-Qarnayn. The broader context illustrates how Allah grants knowledge, strength, and authority to righteous leaders, and tests their character through the responsibilities they bear.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this specific ayah, Sunan Ibn Majah and other sources transmit reports that Dhul-Qarnayn is identified with Iskandar (Alexander the Great) by some scholars, though classical mufassirun differ on his exact historical identity. Hadiths emphasize that this narrative is primarily didactic rather than biographical.
Themes
Key Lesson
Leaders are tested through their choices in how they exercise power—whether through punishment or compassion—and true strength lies in choosing mercy and justice. The ayah reminds us that what appears extraordinary to us is within Allah's design, and our perception of events should not override our moral principles.
Related Ayahs
وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَن ذِى ٱلْقَرْنَيْنِ ۖ قُلْ سَأَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْهُ ذِكْرًا
And they ask you, [O Muḥammad], about Dhul-Qarnayn. Say, "I will recite to you about him a report."
وَمَآ أَظُنُّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ قَآئِمَةً وَلَئِن رُّدِدتُّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّى لَأَجِدَنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهَا مُنقَلَبًا
And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return."
فَٱنطَلَقَا حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا لَقِيَا غُلَـٰمًا فَقَتَلَهُۥ قَالَ أَقَتَلْتَ نَفْسًا زَكِيَّةًۢ بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ لَّقَدْ جِئْتَ شَيْـًٔا نُّكْرًا
So they set out, until when they met a boy, he [i.e., al-Khiḍr] killed him. [Moses] said, "Have you killed a pure soul for other than [having killed] a soul? You have certainly done a deplorable thing."
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ وَلِقَآئِهِۦ فَحَبِطَتْ أَعْمَـٰلُهُمْ فَلَا نُقِيمُ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ وَزْنًا
Those are the ones who disbelieve in the verses of their Lord and in [their] meeting Him, so their deeds have become worthless; and We will not assign to them on the Day of Resurrection any weight [i.e., importance].